5441: Was Islam spread by the sword?

Some enemies of the religion claim that
Islam was spread by the sword. What is your response to that?

Praise be to Allaah.

Islam was spread by proof and evidence, in the case of
those who listened to the message and responded to it. And it was spread by strength and
the sword in the case of those who stubbornly resisted, until they had no choice and had
to submit to the new reality.

And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet
Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace.